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Dr. John Henrik Clarke—20th Century Griot by Dr. Marimba Anni

The life of John Henrik Clarke exemplifies those
values upon which the victorious movement of our people depends. His
work and his character together have created a symbol that inspires
greatness.

Born in rural Union
Springs, Alabama, he was reared in Columbus, Georgia at a time when
American racism was not subtle, but overtly oppressive. His
intellectual curiosity and initiative were resources which allowed him
to circumvent the authorities In a society which denied to people of
African descent library privileges which those of European descent
enjoyed. This proved to be the beginning of a productive life in which
there would be countless hours spent In libraries all over the world.

In these early days research into the African past was indeed an uphill struggle for several reasons:

As a Black man, he was denied access to most facets of the scholarly community

Africa herself was not considered worthy of serious study, (except
perhaps by anthropologists in service to their colonial sponsors; but
certainly not worthy of the attention of an historian)

Most African-Americans, philosophically, were not ready to embrace their Africaness.

It
was in these times that courage, and determination were needed to study
African history, and what kept young Brother Clarke going was the
conviction that he had come from a great people and so was himself
capable of great things. What better example for our students!

The
life of John Henrick Clarke illuminates the special way in which
stature and humility combine in African-American life. He reminds us
that these characteristics are not opposites for us. His humble
beginnings are for him a strength which has helped him through Harlem's
own unique depression, as he and other Black writers lived a precarious
existence during the decade of the late 30's and early 40's. He is
special to us also because he has never "left" us to become part of a
distant elite.

It is a testament to
Brother Clarke's brilliance and intellectual independence that he has
achieved such a formidable degree of learning primarily as a result of
his own effort through informal means. His vast knowledge has come from
intensely motivated research, long hours spent in libraries, and
voracious reading. What better model for our students!

Inspired
by the knowledge of a great past, he set out first to learn, then to
teach others as he continued to learn. His success as an educator is an
example for all of us who would seek to ignite the flame of a burning
desire to know the truth among those whose minds and hearts are in our
trust.

He has taught us that
Pan-African scholarship does not have to be, indeed, cannot afford to
be uncommitted . . . uninvolved. His life continues to be that of an
impassioned warrior. It is because of his efforts along with those of a
handful of other dedicated scholar-activists that African studies is
now a part of the American academy. We must diligently work to
establish it there permanently, if indeed we want to pay tribute to
John Henrik Clarke

In this regard,
his life also says something of greater importance. We see in his life
his achievement that the system" academic or otherwise must not be
allowed to define our standards or to limit our horizons. His life
demonstrates to us what can be accomplished outside of the system as
well. It says that we must always determine our own symbols, images and
values. We must build our own institutions, and value them when they
are deserving. He has shown us that while African Studies can be
academic, in part its essence will never be.

Perhaps
no other member of our community embodies the links of the Pan-African
world as coherently John Henrik Clarke has lived Pan-Africanism, and in
his personality, his work and his travels, he brings together people of
African throughout the world. His concrete involvement in over a dozen
international organizations, is a testament to his personal commitment
to Pan-African unity and to the recognition and fellowship afforded him
by Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora. At the same time he
continues to spearhead struggles in his own community of Harlem.
Indeed, he connects microcosm to macrocosm.

"Professor
Clarke," as we call him, has always been and continues to be constantly
accessible and responsible to those of us who need him. His home is
open to those who seek his wisdom. His cooperation is available for
those in the community who ask even to his own detriment, he has
difficulty saying no. His life has been one of participation and
involvement in the organizations, battles and continuous struggle of
his people. And his personal being is an expression of African Humanism.

His
life presents an image which has become a symbol of the qualities we
wish to claim, to emulate, and to engender: commitment, self-reliance,
communalism, intelligence, scholarly excellence, determination,
discipline, conviction and achievement.

The
life of John Henrik Clarke is one that should serve as an inspiration
to students everywhere, and so we, on behalf of the Pan-African
community, take this opportunity to establish a scholarship in his
name, so that they may be reminded of the implications of his life and
work for time to come.

—Read at the Luncheon Tribute to Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Saturday, September 13, 1983.

Prof.
Marimba Anni teaches Africana Studies in the Department of Africana and
Puerto Rican/Latino Studies at Hunter College of the City University of
New York.